From: Eric Dimick Eastman [erice@ontko.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2001 10:25 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket 00N-1396 & Docket 00D-1598
To Whom it May Concern,
In general I support the research and consumer availability of
Genetically Modified Foods. However, I am quite concerned about new
regulations for Genetically Altered Foods. As a consumer, I feel that I
have a right to buy or not buy any product for any reason. One thing
that makes America great is that consumers, without a lot of background
research, can go into a store, compare products and prices based on
reliable information, and walk out with whatever they want. Failure to
label GM (and non-GM) foods harms this system.
I have heard industry representatives say that if these products are
labeled accurately they will not sell (or not sell as well). That
strikes me as the strongest argument FOR labeling. If the American
consumer wants these products she should be able to get them, if not,
she can't be tricked into buying them when she thought she was getting
something else. If I were to produce a new make of car, I couldn't just
convince myself that it is at least as good as a Ford Escort and then
pretend it is one. That would negate the American experiment.
Thanks for your consideration,
Eric